Nicaragua Wild Flowers
Nicaragua The following slides are from a few of the beautiful flowers I found down in Nicaragua November of 2009. Actually a couple are from coffee plants and a cocoa plant. Pics are from Cuidad Sandino, Nueva Vida, and El Povenir. For you map lovers, look around Managua and in Leon. Music is “El Porompompero” […]
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Nitrous Jacket
www.mountainhardwear.com Retail price: $220 Order here at Amazon! Specs per manufacturer: Weight– 10 oz. Insulation–800 fill goose down. Body–Ecosensor Ripstop. Superlight, 800 fill down beats the chill in this midweight down jacket. Recycled polyester blend is good for the planet. Findings by one of our fabulous gear testers: Let me just start off by saying […]
The Narrows
Day Trip: From the Bottom and Back Distance: The trail begins at the shuttle stop at Temple of Sinawava and follows a one mile paved trail to the river. There is no marked destination, so you can hike as short or long as you want. Lots of hikers try to get to Orderville Canyon which […]
Molehill Mountain Packable Rain and Wind Gear
Retail price: Bunting– $39.99, Jacket–$44.99 www.molehillmtn.com Specs per manufacturer: Waterproof breathable rip-stop polyester micro fiber with a 3000 mm waterproof rating and a 3000 gr./24 hour vapor permeability rating. Mesh lined vents for more breathability. Packs into back pocket for easy stowage. Waist belt allows jacket to be worn as a waist pack when stowed. […]
Crow Pass Trail
From Eagle River Nature Center to Echo Bend www.ernc.org Distance: 3 miles to Echo Bend. Baby Jogger Accessibility: The trail is ideal for even a double jogger for the first almost half of the trail. After that, there are too many rocks in the way. It becomes difficult to navigate the stroller and very bumpy […]
MTI Adventure Wear Youth Discovery PFD
Retail price: $64 Order here at Amazon! Specs per manufacturer: All the features of the finest adult PFD sized for junior paddlers. Grow with adjustable shoulders, waist, and side straps. Soft foam and durable Cordura shell provide comfort and style. Two large mesh pockets provide handy storage for snacks, sunscreen, rocks and frogs. Large reflective […]
Trek Light Gear Double Hammock
Retail price: $64.95 www.treklightgear.com Findings: I’m totally sold on the hammock way of life. At a time when I am slimming down my pack, I find myself adding a hammock–always. If I was backpacking alone, I’d probably just skip the tent and use the hammock. Alas, too many kids to pull that off comfortably. Check […]
Big Agnes Big House 6 Tent (3 season, free standing, car/base camping)
Retail Price: $359.95 www.bigagnes.com Specs per manufacturer: Packed weight–13 lb 15 oz. Floor area– 90 sq ft. Head height–75″. Combo of sleeves and clips for pole/tent attachment. Findings: When it comes to housing 6+ people on the trail, there are lots of options, but only a few good ones. Some large family tents weight as […]
Pacific Outdoor Equipment Peak Oyl Lite Women’s Pad & Hyper Lite Women’s Pad
Retail price: each pad runs about $100 www.pacoutdoor.com Specs per manufacturer: Hyper Lite Women’s. This closed cell EVA and open cell foam combo provides not only superior insulation but with a higher density cylindrical die cut in the hip area you get better support and increased overnight comfort. Size 20″ x 66″ x 1.5″ Weight […]
Norris Geyser Basin Trail
http://mms.nps.gov/yell/features/norristour/index.htm Distance: From the museum, there are two loop options. The Porcelain Basin loop is .5 miles. The Back Basin is 1.5 miles. This slide show is of the Back Basin. Baby jogger accessibility: Plenty of room for even a double jogger. No obstacles at all. Difficulty: Easy. Cool stuff for kids: The active geysers […]